oy Ocroser, 1889 NO. 1 


| _ PRATT INSTITUTE 
RECORD | 


FOUNDER’S DAY NUMBER | 


Bee PUBLISHED BY 
| PRATT INSTITUTE, BROOKLYN, N. Y. 


PRATT INSTITUTE—MAIN BUILDING. 


FRONT VIEW FROM RYERSON STREET. 


PRATT INSTITUTE. RECORD 


VOny OCTOBER, 1889. No. I. 


FOUNDER’S ADDRESS. 


‘TEACHERS, SCHOLARS, AND FRIENDS :— 


We meet again on this, the 2d of October, to commemorate 
Founder’s Day of Pratt Institute. One year ago to-day I gave 
you a hasty outline of our hopes and plans for the first year of 
real work at the Institute. “To-day we meet to look back upon 
the history of that year and to take an outlook into the one 
before us. Our organization has hada year in which to show, 
by practical demonstration, the object for which it was designed. 
As I look over your work as teachers and pupils I am amazed 
at the progress made. ‘Twelve months ago we had only a hand- 
ful of teachers and an institution almost without form or organi- 
zation. Within the year so much has been done to systematize 
our efforts that I have new courage, and I wish to tender to you, 
my co-workers, my heartfelt thanks for your tireless industry and 
unselfish devotion. I have read your reports, and can see not 
only the actual work done, but also the spirit of doing it, on 
the part of both teacher and pupil. There is so much of in- 
terest in these reports that it has seemed desirable to have them 
printed, as you cannot be in full sympathy with the general 
work unless you are familiar with that of the other departments. 
May I not ask you, one and all, to read them carefully ? 

I confess to a little embarrassment to decide which of the 
many things of interest connected with my experiences in the 
development of this enterprise should command my attention in 
speaking to you this morning. 


4 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


‘Flow shall my child be educated ?” is such an old question, 
and has been answered so many times, and in so many ways, 
since teaching began, that we cannot hope to offer much that is 
original, but we have wished to furnish facilities for a trial in 
Brooklyn of the best type of combzned academic or high school 
instruction, with manual training, for boys and girls from about 
fourteen or fifteen to the age of seventeen or eighteen. The idea 
in this course, which we have named the Technical High School 
Department, is not to teach the pupils any trade, but to educate 
them to work patiently, systematically, and constantly in the use 
of hand, eye, and brain. We think such as finish this three years’ 
course will, by the combined training of all their powers, be able 
to decide for themselves what life-work they are best calculated 
to succeed in, and if they wish to fit themselves for any of our 
colleges or scientific schools their time here will have been 
well spent in preparation therefor. Among the elements of 
value we hope to realize from this course of instruction is an 
object lesson on the question of industrial or manual training, 
now being considered by the high schools of so many large cities 
in all parts of our country. 

Perhaps there will be no better place than this to say a few 
words about our observations of such education as is carried on 
in Europe. I cannot attempt to give you, at this time, a report, 
but will simply say that the rapid development of the Institute 
led me, in April, to ask our secretary, Mr. F. B. Pratt, and my 
private secretary, Mr. Heffley, to accompany me in a hasty trip 
to the Old World, to see, if we could, in what lines their longer 
experience would serve as a guide for us. We visited twenty 
leading cities in England, France, Austria, Switzerland, and 
Germany ; studied carefully, saw the workings of many schools; 
learned how to understand and appreciate reports of our con- 
sular agents; and as a result have come home convinced that 
Pratt Institute was not unnatural in its conception, nor vague in 
its design; and while we did not find anything just like it, we 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 5 


did find great activity in endeavoring to educate the people in 
applied art and in specific trade-schools. 

The English government, we were told, is spending £400,- 
000, or about $2,000,000 annually, for the support of the Ken- 
sington Museum, and for the establishment in all parts of the 
United Kingdom of schools of applied art, for encouragement 
of those branches which pertain to art as applied to the manu- 
facture of articles for household use and adornment, such as the 
products of clay, iron, silver, and other metals, carved woods, 
leather and paper, textile fabrics—silk, wool, linen and cotton, 
etc., etc. We feel that nothing presents so broad a field, or one 
so full of promise for the American nation, as attention to 
such things as will tend to educate the people to a knowledge of 
the artistic as applied to their home life, and to a love of it be- 
cause they appreciate it. 

I have reason to believe that in our own Art Department 
many have been taught this, and also to realize that certain 
phases of it lie at the foundation of all industrial pursuits; that 
it ennobles, that it is an element of civilization, and that the 
essence of good art is to be found, above all things, in honest and 
good workmanship. 

In the Department of Domestic Science I am sure many 
have received that courage which comes from a consciousness of 
being able to do well some specific thing, and from the feeling 
that a knowledge of household employments is thoroughly con- 
sistent with the grace and dignity and true womanliness of every 
American girl. We must not lose sight of the aim of this de- 
partment, which is to afford women a training in those branches 
of science and art which pertain not only to good housekeeping 
but to home-making—to the preparation of clothing, of eco- 
nomical and wholesome food, and to such knowledge of sani- 
tary and hygienic laws as shall tend to secure comfortable and 
healthy homes at the least expense. The housewife who knows 
how to manage the details of her home has more courage than 


6 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


one who is dependent upon servants, no matter how faithful 
they may be. She is a better mistress, for she can sympathize 
with them and appreciate their work when well done. 

We especially wish to enlarge our facilities in this depart- 
ment, so as to help those families who must live on small in- 
comes—say, not over $400 or $500 per year—teaching the 
best disposition of this money in wise purchase, economical use 
of material and little waste. One aim of this department is to 
make the home of the workingman more attractive. 

In the Department of Mechanic Arts the instruction given 
should be most valuable and important to every thrifty mechanic. 
The demand is for a better and better quality of work, and our 
American artisans must learn that to claim first place in any 
trade they must be intelligent. They must study, learn to draw 
and read plans, and to know the value of material and why it is 
used. They must learn to have pride in their work and to love 
it, and believe in our motto, ‘‘ Be true to your work and your 
work will be true to you.” 

I need hardly dwell here upon the growing demand upon the 
Department of Phonography and Typewriting, the work of 
which has been most satisfactory. Popular as these studies have 
become, it should be borne in mind that mere speed, without in- 
telligence,will not meet the requirements. Accurate and perfect 
work alone will give satisfaction. 

I am not a musician, but it has always seemed to me that a 
musical notation which would bring the principles of music 
within the comprehension of the people would have a sound and 
healthy influence, and so we were led to give the “Tonic Sol-fa 
System ”’ a trial, as the one best adapted to this end. 

Much material has been added to the Technical Museum 
during the past year. We have no intention of making a col- 
lection of mere curiosities, but to obtain objects which can be 
used in connection with the instruction given in the different 
departments of the Institute. 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 7 


When men have dealings with money matters in any form 
they touch human nature in a sensitive spot. There is no one 
subject in connection with this work upon which I have such 
peculiar feelings as wnen a poor man comes to pay his hard 
earned wages for the education of his child. Instinctively my 
feeling is to say, ‘Don’t take the money”; but in my cooler 
and calmer thoughts, the judgment, formed after long and patient 
study of human nature, tells me that it is wiser and better for 
every one to pay a part at least of the cost of this education. 

To keep the Institute abreast of the opportunity open to it 
wiil require constant enlargement. We are in a growing city, 
full of young life, the centre of a great population ; we have em- 
barked in a broad and comprehensive enterprise, and if it fulfills 
its ideal, each year will make larger and larger demands for 
construction and maintenance. While living, and having the 
ability, I shall be glad to do all I can to build up and develop the 
Institute and to provide as much as possible for the future, but 
an endowment alone is limited and uncertain at best, and if we 
plan to build for the future we must have the financial basis on 
solid principles. So we conclude that the wise way is to do as we 
have done—to use money freely for building and equipping 
the Institute with the best facilities, and then aim to have the 
receipts from tuition support the departments as far as possible. 

The large number of students whom we are able to accom- 
modate will justify us in employing the best talent, and giving 
full value for any charges made. It should be remembered that 
in some departments the present cost of material consumed by 
the pupil is alone equal to the full tuition charged. 

As for the work of the Library, I have become so much 
impressed with the far-reaching influence of good books as dis- 
tributed through a free library that I have been anxious to enlarge 
our own work in this line. Hence, until we see good reason 
for doing otherwise, all money received for tuition by the Insti- 
tute will be devoted to enlarging our present Library, which is 


8 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


free, and in establishing and maintaining branch libraries and 
reading rooms in different parts of the city as fast as circum- 
stances seem to justify. 

The fixed charges of a manufacturing concern are often more 
than the pay-roll of the men; hence it 1s important that the fac- 
tory should run as many daysas possible in the year, and as fully 
as possible each day. The same is true of the Institute. Were 
we to base our calculation as in a thrifty business, we should esti- 
mate that it would entail a loss of from $400 to $500 for every 
day the work was suspended. This should impress upon both 
teacher and scholar the great loss sustained by absence from any 
session. Asa special inducement to this end, we hope to offer 
some kind of reward to those conspicuous for prompt and regu- 
lar attendance. 

The demand for good kindergartners has led us to establish a 
kindergarten in connection with the Institute. We hope not 
only to organize a model kindergarten, but to develop, by 
means of a normal class, teachers who shall carry on the work 
in different parts of the city according to the best and most ap- 
proved methods. To this end we have appropriated a part of 
the fine studio building on Vanderbilt Avenue, which is well 
adapted to the purpose. 

So much good work is now being done by Summer Schools 
that we have been often asked whether the Institute could not 
be kept open at this season also. Should it appear that there is 
a demand for this, we shall be glad to arrange if possible to have 
it done. If any one who reads this report should wish to avail 
himself of such an opportunity, and will so advise us, it would 
assist us in determining in what departments this provision 
should be made. It may be of interest to know that board in 
the best localities can be obtained during the summer fh at 
much reduced rates, 

The need of more room in immediate connection with the 
Art and Domestic Science Departments, as well as for the Tech- 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 9 


nical High School Department, has led us to make large ad- 
ditions to our present buildings. With these and the changes 
made in the Mechanic Arts buildings, we have provided some- 
thing over 20,000 square feet of additional floor space for the 
use of students for the coming year. 

We still need alarge assembly hall, class rooms and ap- 
pliances much beyond our present supply, and we hope be- 
fore another Founder's Day that we may be able to realize 
these expectations. 

During the year the unoccupied land in front and in the rear 
of the Institute has been graded and made into play-grounds. 
What limits or rules should govern their use, experience has 
not made clear. They are for your use, and if they can be better 
adapted to any particular purpose by a reasonable expense for 
construction, we shall be glad to consider any recommendation. 


After this hasty review, many things of interest in connec- 
tion with the work are pressing upon us, but no one thing 
seems to be so important to undertake as education on the sub- 
ject of thrift, and to this end we offer the following scheme: 

The instruction given in the Institute is intended, in part, to 
enable people to become self-dependent. Pupils are taught 
some useful work by which they can earn money. It seemsa 
natural thing, in carrying out this part of the plan, that the next 
step should be to endeavor to teach them how to save this 
money; or, in other words, how to make a wise use of it. It 
is not enough that one be trained so that he can join the ranks 
of the world’s workers and become a producer; he needs quite 
as much to learn habits of economy and thrift in order to make 
his life a success. 

During the past year there have gone out from the Insti- 
tute more than thirty persons, who, from the instruction received: 
here, are to-day earning an average of $500 per year, or $15,000 


10 PRALPISANSTILT OLE (RECORD; 


together. This is more than the interest on $500,000 invested 
in government bonds. We wish to help these young people to 
a knowledge of the proper use and care of this large income. 

In view of the above, we have been led to contemplate a new, 
and, we believe, a very important step, namely, the establishment 
of a Savings Department in connection with the other work. 

To the development of this plan and the working out of 
these problems, it is proposed to form an association to be 
called ‘‘Pratt Institute Thrift Association,” but for convenience 
it may be known as ‘The Thrift.” After much thought and 
study we have adopted, in a somewhat modified form, a system 
which has met with marked success in England and is not unlike 
many of the mutual building and co-operative saving associa- 
tions in this country. The aim of the Association will be to 
encourage its members to habits of thrift; to help them to be- 
come prudent and wise in the use of money and time, by offer- 
ing them a safe and simple method whereby they can make 
regular monthly payments for the purpose of accumulating a 
fund for buying or building their own homes; or for loaning to 
such persons as want to borrow for this purpose, and to do any 
and all such things as experience shall prove essential to the 
accomplishment of these objects. 

We desire to interest and secure the co-operation of teachers 
and parents, so as to make this branch of the Institute a means 
of educating the people in all such matters as relate to finance 
or to the wise use of money. 

MeEMBERSHIP.—Any person, whether he be an attendant at 
Pratt Institute or not, may become a member of the Associa- 
tion upon complying with the regulations, with the understand- 
ing, however, that the management at any time will have full 
power to close any account or membership, without giving 
notice or reasons, by refunding the money, with interest. 

The work of the Association divides itself into two branches, 
the Investment Branch, and the Loan Branch, all its members 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. II 


being either those who are saving money by purchase of Invest- 
ment Shares, or are borrowing for purchase of private property. 

INVESTMENT BRANCH.—The first practical step must be to af- 
ord opportunities for members to save and deposit their money, 
and we wish to offer the best possible inducements, consistent 
with safety, to secure method and regularity in the manner of 
saving. The object is to have the payments small, so that the 
largest number of persons may be able to share in this plan. 

The Investing Shares of the Association—to which no lia- 
bility attaches—are $150, payable at the rate of $1 per month 
for ten years. The monthly payments on each share amount, 
in ten years, to $120, and the accumulated interest, at the rate 
of 5 per cent. per annum, to $30, making $150 in all; in addi- 
tion to which, provided the installments are regularly paid, each 
share at the end of the ten years will be entitled to a percentage 
of the profits of the business, which we hope, if the business 
equals that of some English companies, will amount to $5 or 
$10 per share more. In other words, a monthly payment of $1 
is expected to amount, with interest and premium, to $160 at 
the end of ten years, or about 6 per cent. per annum on the 
subscription paid to the Association. 

It is not the intention to offer a high rate of interest so as 
to induce the deposit here of funds already invested in savings 
banks, or elsewhere, but rather to encourage, in young and old, 
the habit of regular, systematic economy and saving in small 
amounts. 

One hundred and fifty dollars in one sum pays for a share in 
full, in which case the interest is payable half-yearly, at the rate 
of 4 per cent. per annum, the holder being entitled, at the end 
of ten years, to the same premium as that receivable by members 
who pay for their shares by installments. 

Shares can be withdrawn at any time; and although the so- 
ciety may, under its rules, require one month’s notice, they hope 
to be able and will endeavor to repay subscriptions on demand. 


12 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


and without notice. No interest will, however, be allowed on 
shares payable by installments if they be withdrawn within two 


years of their issue. 

Shares may be held by minors, and by trustees and guardians 
on behalf of others; and by wives in their own names, and for 
their separate use, and they may sign receipts for interest and 
principal. 


TABLE SHOWING HOW MONEY MAY BE ACCUMULATED. 


One share at $1 per month, involving a saving of 4 cents per day for 300 
days, amounts, with interest and premium, at the end of ten years, to $160. 


One share at $1 per month, about 4centsaday,to. . . . $160 
Two fs +E ek ho tiee S vf 8 5 ds og scat ea ea 
Three oH sah 2 ark 3 Am En 8 ce r Ree ace hy 
Four 14 sande A by A BOS i f of i ee 
Five ve SOP Runa Fé AP hie ts" yy cS | ge See ices 
Six (79 ée 6 6c“ éé 66 24 66 ée , , J ‘ g60 
Seven sh Pie fist RS petty. 4 i 1,120 
Hight sf ety tay ¢2: a BPW rede, af ef Ud ee 1,280 
Nine (73 (9 9 (73 66 66 36 6e 66 é i ¥ 1,440 
Ten ff cS tee fs ALY, be: 2 « sR NRE Tin ye = 
Eleven ‘ oth 8 tay ¢ fs piaeutye bk rs 4: 1,760 
Twelve i AB wet cf hate wage Es: “ + 1,920 
Thirteen iS Se NNL 3 lehee h Aryeh 2 RS 4 Ao CAne 2,080 
Fourteen f rT eae + Raandlag 6 ES opie ON aa ee 
Fifteen S SAPS age 2 shana 815) a SU aN eat aad Sen 
Sixteen :. Stave Oye - Oe ¥ Rs 2,560 
seventeen SS breed une i PP NY ee) bs 4 co FR mee ae 
HKighteen a ED WLte +f caer 2 6 sf Mies Nowe 
Nineteen ‘f cient Cae 2 Ate) ole) 4 . oo) | hci ae 
Twenty ADP taes rf Lp hieet e Abe ae? ss 3,200 


By steady perseverance in saving, therefore, every person 
can make some provision for the future, however limited his in- 
come, by joining “The Thrift.” In addition to this, what we 
estimate to be of more value than the money is the growth of 
character which is developed by the self-denial and personal sacri- 
fice required in making this saving. 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 13 


The foregoing explains the manner of saving money by de- 
posits in the Investment Branch. Now the question is—How 
can we use this money safely so as to produce a rate of interest 
that will be encouraging to those who save it? It is proposed 
to loan it to persons for the purchase of homes and to have the 
loans so made that they can be paid in small monthly install- 
ments in place of rent, so that after a term of years the home 
will belong to the member taking the loan. 

This part of the enterprise will be termed the 


Loan Brancu.—Sums of any amount will be loaned for the 
purchase of private houses, shops and other real property, but it 
is the special object of the Association to encourage the pur- 
chase of dwelling houses by persons for their own occupation ; 
and all applications for advances with this object in view will be 
dealt with in the most liberal manner consistent with security. 

The Association will not purchase or build houses, but sim- 
ply make advances for this purpose. The amount which will be 
advanced will be regulated according to the valuation of the 
property by the Association’s officials ; and of this value a tenth 
part at least will have to be provided in advance. 

In order to cover the cost of doing the business—such as 
general office expenses, searching records, guaranteeing titles, 
etc., and to keep the rate of interest low, as well as to establish 
a permanent security fund, there will be charged a commission 
of one per cent. per annum on the sum advanced, which sum, if 
desired, can be added to the loan. This is based on the experi- 
ence of the best English societies, though we shall modify these 
charges from time to time as our own experience shall justify. 

The option will always remain with the borrower to pay the 
loan in full, at any time, if he shall prefer to do so. 

Loans will be repayable by monthly installments, commencing 
on the first day of the month following the date of the mort- 
gage; or in any other manner that may be arranged so that the 


14 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


repayments shall not extend over more than twenty-one years. 
The monthly installments are to totally extinguish principal 
and interest, and when they are all paid the house will become 
the property of the borrower. 

So long as the installments are paid regularly, the loan can- 
not be disturbed ; but the borrower can at any time make addi- 
tional payments on account of the advance, and thus either 
shorten the period during which the installments are payable or 
reduce their future amount ; or the mortgage may be canceled at 
any time by paying the present value of the future installments. 


TABLE SHOWING THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS REQUIRED, 
COST OF LOAN, ETC., FOR A LOAN OF $1,000, 
FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS. 


INTEREST ON LOAN AT 


Beate 5% p. ct. 6 p. ct. 

Monthly dues pM) a ie oa SB TOL90 $11.10 $11.40 
otal ues; 10 "yeatsy. 4 1.'\)% $121,300.00 1,332.00 1,368.00 
All other charges ($10 per Pein ni) EOO.00 100.00 100.00 
otal cost foro; years hh a te 1408.60 1,432.00 1,468.00 
AmMOUuTE DOTTOWEC) 20.3 iL eh bele, inet el L2000100 1,000.00 1,000.00 
Actial Cost Of }oans 05/0 Pears seat 2, AOGL00 432.00 468.00 
OS eT IGE AI a mart Nw AOLOC 43.20 46.80 

Ke cs CiDET-CONGu wae Wa ic 4 Ato 43 


As an illustration of the working of ‘‘The Thrift,” the case 
may be taken of a member occupying a house in Brooklyn, for 
which he pays a rental of $300 per year. The price is $3,000, 
of which amount he pays, say $400, and obtains $2,600 from 
“The Thrift.” If the advance be granted for fourteen years, at 
6 per cent. interest, the payments to the Association will be 
about $30 per month, or about $360 per year, inclusive of city, 
county and water taxes, insurance and commission. By select- 
ing a longer period for the redemption of the advance, these 
payments can be reduced. At the end of fourteen years, if the 
installments be regularly paid, he becomes the absolute owner of 
the house, while as a tenant he would have paid his landlord 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 15 


during the period almost the same amount of money without 
becoming the owner of a single brick. 

In the event of borrowers, from adverse circumstances, being 
unable to keep up their subscriptions, the society has power, 
after three years’ installments have been paid, to suspend, with- 
out fines, all further payments for twelve months. 

Through the aid of the society, therefore, any person may 
become the owner of the dwelling-house he occupies as a tenant, 
by an annual payment, for a limited period, very little in excess 
of the regular rent. 

How TO OBTAIN AN ADVANCE.—The first step to be taken 
after the member has selected a house, and ascertained the price, 
is to obtain from the office a Form of Proposal, which must be 
filled according to the instructions contained therein. 

The property is then examined and a report made to the 
managers, by whom the amount which can be wisely advanced 
is determined. 

As every application for an advance is considered on its own 
merits, it is impossible to state the amount which will be lent, 
or to fix the rate of interest, until the property has been in- 
spected by the Association’s officials ; but in all cases applicants 
will be dealt with on the most liberal terms consistent with 
security. 

The firm of Charles Pratt & Co. have executed a bond in 
the sum of $500,000 to indemnify and protect all persons hav- 
ing financial relations with the Association. 

Rules for the conduct of the business will hereafter be 
adopted and modified from time to time, as experience suggests. 

The office of the Association will be open and ready for busi- 
ness on the second day of October, from 7.30 to 9.30 Pp. M., and 
at such other times as may be determined. Circulars of informa- 
tion will be furnished by mail, or upon application at the office. 

All communications should be addressed, ‘“‘The Thrift,” Pratt 
Institute, Brooklyn, N. Y. 


16 


REPORTROR ADE, SEC RRIAI. 


The first complete year of Pratt Institute has closed, and it 
is with much satisfaction that we look back upon its record of 
progress and growth. While the work has been to a large ex- 
tent experimental, occasioned by the newness of the subjects 
taught, and the different classes of pupils, the results have shown 
that the line has been in the right direction. | 

Perhaps there is no better indication of this fact than the 
general enthusiasm awakened among the people of Brooklyn, as 
well as among all interested in industrial education throughout 
the country. Our pupils and patrons, too, have been made up 
to a very large extent of those who have felt the need of the 
course of instruction given, and have expected to derive practi- 
cal aid from it. 

Instruction has been carried on by a large corps of competent 
teachers in each department. In those branches which were new, 
the difficulty of obtaining well-trained, intelligent and earnest 
instructors has been great. It is our desire to secure the best 
possible talent in every department undertaken. 

To organize more thoroughly the work of the Institute, and 
to direct the departments toward a common purpose and end, 
and to discuss those questions touching on the work of the In- 
stitute, faculty meetings have been held weekly. These meet- 
ings have proved a source of benefit to all, as they have not only 
made each department more thoroughly acquainted with every 
other, but have been a source of inspiration and emulation. _ 

So far as it has been possible the heads of the several depart- 
ments have visited the best schools in this country and in Eu- 
rope, and have informed themselves as to the work being done 
elsewhere. 

Though no certificates or diplomas have been given, the work 
of the pupils has been very creditable. At the several exhibi- — 


PRAT IO INSTITOULES RECORD, Dy 


tions held during the year, and especially at the meeting of the 
State Teachers’ Association in July, with the Institute as their 
headquarters, our work compared favorably with that done by 
other institutions. 

The number of individual pupils in attendance at the Insti- 
tute during the year was 2,199. 

Aside from the industrial and educational section of the In- 
stitute there has been a vast amount of general work. 

The three main Institute buildings in themselves have to 
some extent been erected experimentally, and have been ap- 
portioned to the several departments as fast as the demand came. 
Thus far the supply of available space has equaled the demands, 
but during the summer months three additional stories, with an 
area of some 20,000 extra square feet, have been added. 

The best way of equipping and furnishing the different de- 
partments with models, apparatus, desks, machinery, decorations, 
and the thousand and one things which are essential to a com- 
plete and perfect school, has taken much time and thought. The 
repairs, the care of the buildings, the janitor service, are items 
not always taken into account when considering the Institute 
in its entire scope. 

The heating and lighting of the buildings, and the power 
required for machinery have been under the charge of the engi- 
neer’s department. The equipment of the engine room consists 
of two 100-horse-power boilers, a Harris-Corliss engine, three 
electric light systems—an Edison, Thomson-Houston and West- 
ern Electric—several pumps for fire and exhaust steam, and a 
small power engine for driving light machinery. Oil has been 
used as fuel with a great saving in the way of cleanliness and 
ease of manipulation, and at somewhat less cost. During the 
summer and holidays the engineer and assistants have been em- 
ployed in general construction, pipe and steam fitting and 
electric light wiring. 

In the basement of the Main Building, and occupying the 


18 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


whole of the north side, is the Lunch Room, the object of which 
is to give to all who may choose to patronize it a wholesome, 
warm luncheon at a reasonable price. Dinners have been served 
every day from 12 to 2 oclock, and suppers three nights a week 
from 6 to 7p. M. The average number in attendance per day 
has been 70, and the largest number 110. This department has 
been put in charge of an experienced caterer in order to increase 
its usefulness another year. 

Probably the most busy place throughout the whole year has 
been the General Office. The work done here has consisted, in 
part, of the reception and enrollment of pupils, the receiving of 
tuition fees, which are charged in all departments except the 
Library, the payment of bills for equipment and running ex- 
penses, general correspondence, and the issuing of permits to 
visitors, of whom several thousand have inspected the buildings 
and the work of the students. 

A considerable amount of printed matter, in the way.of cir- 
culars of information, rules and regulations, and application 
blanks, has been distributed. 

The office has been open daily, and on Monday, Wednesday 
and Friday evenings of the fall and winter terms. 

As far as possible the work of the Institute has been divided 
into departments, and the subjoined reports which have been 
prepared by those in charge of these departments give an idea 
of what has been attempted and accomplished. 

One of the most perplexing and important questions has 
been the relationship of the Institute to outside schools and 
pupils. As far as practicable, afternoon sessions in nearly all the 
classes have been held for the purpose of supplementing in 
manual work the courses of study given elsewhere. 

The Technical High School Department is intended to be a 
stepping-stone from other schools to the special work of the 
Institute, as well as to further scientific and artistic study in uni- 
versity courses. 


TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT. 


The report of the Technical High School Department for 
the year 1888-9 is practically a report of that department since 
its organization, for it was not until late in the year 1887 that it 
was fully decided to establish such a course, and the work done 
previous to June of the following year was in a very small and 
somewhat irregular way. 

It was originally intended to make the work of the Institute 
purely manual, but the necessity of giving an opportunity for 
obtaining a complete education—one which should include man- 
ual and mental work—came to be felt more and more, and as a 
result of much thought the Technical High School Department 
‘was begun. 

The department aims to give a thorough academic educa- 
tion, combining with the usual studies of such a course enough 
free-hand and mechanical drawing and manual work to secure 
a symtuecrical development by the training of eye, hand and 
mind. 

It does not aim to fit pupils for any particular occupation 
or class of occupations, but to give them the best preparation 
possible, within the limits of a three years’ course, for higher in- 
stitutions of learning—especially advanced scientific schools— 
for business or for any other pursuit. 

ApMISsION.—As much of the work of the Institute is plan- 
ned to supplement that done in other schools, so in this depart- 
ment the standard for admission is such that a pupil who has 
eraduated from the public schools, or who has done equivalent 
work elsewhere, should be prepared to take the entrance exam- 
inations. Occasionally, a pupil somewhat less advanced is 
found qualified to take up the studies of the entering class. 

CouRSE OF sTuDy.—At the beginning of the year the 
course of study, although quite definitely outlined, had not been 


20 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


determined in all its details, but by degrees it has taken shape, 
till now it stands practically complete, and is, in general, the 
same as the courses pursued in the best academies and high 
schools, viz: 


First YEAR. SECOND YEAR. THIRD YEAR. 
First Term— First Term— First Term— 
Algebra, Geometry, English Literature, 
English, General History, or Civil Government, 
Physiology. Latin, Chemistry, 
Physics. Principles of Construction, 
French. 
Second Term— Second Term— Second Term— 
Algebra, Geometry, English Literature, 
English, General History, or Political Science, 
Physiology, Latin, Chemistry, 
Physical Geography. Physics. French. 
Third Term— Third Term— Third Term— 
Geometry, Trigonometry, English Literature, 
Rhetoric, English History, or Political Science, 
Physical Geography. Latin, Chemistry and Metallurgy, 
Book-keeping, French. 
Physics. 


The course has been made to include those studies which 
are required for admission to the advanced scientific and other 
schools to which our pupils may naturally go, and at the same 
time it has been made as complete as possible for those who do 
not expect to continue their studies after graduating. Some 
important studies have been omitted, but only because it seemed 
wiser to take fewer branches, insisting upon thorough work, 
than to attempt a greater number than could properly be com- 
pleted within the three years of the course. 

As an integral part of the course, and side by side with the 
literary work, stand the drawing and manual work to which 
there are devoted, respectively, one and two periods daily. 

This feature of the department has not been introduced as 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 21 


an attractive novelty, nor to supersede the work usually done in 
high schools or academies, but because of the strong conviction 
that an education is necessarily incomplete if it aims at the 
training of the mind alone, and because of the belief that it is 
only by a combination of head and hand work that harmonious, 
complete development is possible. 

CLass-ROOM WworRK.—The studies which have been com- 
pleted by the Second Year Class during the past year are phys- 
ics, alsebra, geometry, general history, English history and book- 
keeping. Special instruction in elocution has also been given 
to the class during the spring term. 

The studies of the First Year Class have been algebra, phys- 
iology, physical geography and English. 

In all the above branches the evidence of daily recitations 
and of examinations is that much faithful work has been done 
both by teacher and pupil. The coming year, however, with 
improved facilities, with fully equipped laboratories, and with 
the experience of the past, we may reasonably look for much 
better results. 

ExaMINATIONS.— Pupils have at proper intervals been ex- 
amined both orally and in writing upon their studies; at the 
same time they have been given distinctly to understand that 
in estimating the quality of their work in a given study daily 
recitations would be the chief factor considered, though all ex- 
aminations would also be taken into account. In this way they 
have been made to feel that greater importance was attached to 
faithful, daily work than to any special tests. 

Music.—The value of music in education is now generally 
recognized. Certainly no high school course is complete with- 
out it. During the greater part of the year a weekly lesson of 
half an hour’s duration has been given by the regular instructor 
in music. It is especially difficult to teach music to pupils of the 
age of ours, because of the change which their voices are under- 
‘going, but, notwithstanding this, the results secured have been 


22 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


very encouraging, as with few exceptions the members of both 
classes have passed the requirements for the junior certificate. 

DRAWING AND MANUAL WoRK.—The details of the drawing 
and manual work are given in other reports. The pupils have 
taken hold of both these with interest and have accomplished 
good results. Work of this kind is a novelty to them, and be- 
cause of the fact that it is a distinguishing feature of the Insti- 
tute there is danger that it may seem to them of greater impor- 
tance than their studies, but it should be possible to preserve a 
proper equilibrium between the intellectual and the manual, and 
to bring pupils to a real appreciation of the banhilehew te of both 
in a symmetrical education. 

MANUAL WORK OF THE GIRLS.—It was not known till the - 
fall term opened that there were to be girls in the entering 
class, and consequently no definite provisions had been made 
for them. They have done the same class-rroom work as the 
boys, and have done it well. Instead of shop work they have 
had two lessons a week in sewing, two in wood-carving, and for 
the first two terms one lesson weekly in cooking. 

There is no reason why it is not possible to plan the course 
for girls so as to make it as valuable to them as the boys’ course 
is to the boys. To do this it should be made to cover the en- 
tire range of work offered by the Department of Domestic 
Science, and in addition should furnish opportunities for special 
work in the Art Department. 

Liprary.—The library of the Institute has been of very 
great service to the department, and later, when literature and 
kindred studies are taken up, will be of even greater value. 
Few schools are situated so that pupils can obtain reference and 
other books as readily as can ours, and we are consequently 
peculiarly well situated to create and stimulate in our pupils a 
love for reading the best books. We have taken a step in the 
right direction in preparing and posting on bulletin boards near 
the class rooms lists of books bearing upon the studies of the 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 22 


different classes, and much more will be done another year in 
the same direction. 

IN GENERAL: The above record of the year’s work is all 
that could reasonably be expected. 

We have labored under numerous disadvantages. The many 
unfavorable conditions incident to the starting of a new depart- 
ment have interfered materially with the progress of regular, 
daily work, but these have by degrees been overcome, and we 
have reason to look for excellent results another year. 

It is especially important with pupils of high school age that 
the conditions surrounding them be as favorable as possible, for 
we are responsible not only for the quality of their work, but 
also in a great measure for the habits of industry, order, 
obedience, and of general conduct which shall follow them in 
their after life. 

The accommodations, equipments and instruction should be 
of such a nature that every pupil shall feel a personal pride in 
the department, and shall enter so heartily into the spirit of the 
Institute that we may impress upon him the character which we 
wish all our students to bear. 


ART DEPARTMENT. 


The object of this department is twofold: First, to enable 
pupils to acquire a knowledge of the subject matter of the 
various courses, and second, to lead them to make a practical 
use of the knowledge gained. Naturally, the pupils have great 
diversity of talent, and while some will be unable to gain any 
remunerative return from the course of study, and others will 
reach but mediocrity, many will be able to obtain desirable posi- 
tions as teachers, illustrators, designers, and draughtsmen. To 
all classes, however, come a breadth and a power to see and to 
enjoy more in the world around them which no other course of 
study could so well promote. 


24 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


Free-hand, architectural and mechanical drawing, wood-carv- 
ing, clay-modeling and design are the general divisions of study. 
The school year is divided into three terms. Various classes 
have met in the morning, the afternoon, and the evening; and 
while some of the students remain at the Institute but a limited 
time, a great many enter for two to four years’ study. 

The enrollment for the past year was as follows: 


Morminyg Ciassesi Choice hence. aco un hae ee erent 
Afternoon classes} inst 3 sie" os babs o£. eee eran tes 
Evening (reesbandicrass 0) 2s «he ee wit te ee 
Byéning (Mechanical class,; 3) (0.5 So wee 74 
Evening Architectural class, . . . 66 


Technical High School Dept. Morning classes, 40 
Mechanic Arts Department. Afternoon classes, 69 


Lotal-enrollmént; ii wena ose 


The especial object of each branch of work is explained 
below : 

MORNING CLASSES. 

NorMAL AND ART CoursEes.—The work in free-hand draw- 
ing, covering the first ten subjects of the prescribed course, forms 
the basis, not only of the Normal and Art Courses, but also of 
applied design, clay-modeling, and wood-carving. A variety of 
subjects is embraced in order that students may discover any 
aptitude which they have for work in a special direction, while 
pursuing at the same time a thorough and systematic course of 
study fundamental to all art work. During the first two years 
the Normal and Art Courses are much alike, for it is proposed 
to give the pupil who goes out as a teacher or supervisor of 
public school work, or as a teacher in an art school, something 
beyond what he will teach his pupils. 

Commencing the first of December, 1888, the thirty-five 
members of the Normal class met five mornings each week. On 
two of the mornings they received special normal instruction in 
addition to their regular art work. To give practice in teaching, 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. aS 


exercises were assigned to the students, and each one in turn 
took the class and taught the lesson in drawing which she had 
been selected to prepare. Then the members of the class, and 
the instructor in charge, criticised the work as to its good points 
and as to its defects. By this method the students become con- 
versant with the best methods of teaching. 

The Regular Art Course is planned with reference to the de- 
velopment, upon a broad foundation, of all the artistic ability a 
pupil may possess. Many lines of decorative and artistic work 
are open to the pupils taking this course. Not only have 
students received the usual class instruction, but afternoon lect- 
ures have been given in anatomy, etc., and a sketch club 
organized, the members of which by turn pose in costume. 

The wide field of illustration is open to the earnest student ; 
several now in the school will be able to do successful work in 
this direction. To promote this work, and to create an interest 
in the subject, the pupils have been required to present a speci- 
fied number of sketches each week. These drawings have 
embraced a variety of subjects—still life, bits of architecture, 
human figures, etc., and have been made with pencil and with 
pen and ink. The pupils have been much interested, and have 
produced some very creditable work. 

PRACTICAL DESIGN.—As all students are required to success- 
fully finish a preliminary course in free-hand drawing, some 
time elapsed before design proper was reached. On account of 
this, and because of the purpose to make the department of 
applied design as comprehensive and practical as possible, 
much time was consumed and many efforts made to secure an 
instructor competent to meet all future demands, and definite 
work did not begin till April, 1889. The course of study is 
planned to give students thorough instruction in the principles 
which govern decorative design, and also in the technicalities of 
the processes involved in the manufacture of textile fabrics, wall 
paper, etc. Many pupils have already taken up the work, and 


26 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD, 


are rapidly progressing. Much is expected from this course of 
study next year. 

CLAY MODELING.—Clay modeling holds an important place, 
because it is a great aid to free-hand drawing. Considered as 
drawing alone, it is an excellent study, inasmuch as it is drawing 
in three dimensions. Work began May 3, 1889. The close 
of the term was near, and owing to this the work has been only 
elementary. As it progresses, in addition to the present instruc- 
tor, another will be engaged, for it is greatly desired to advance 
this department until it shall include sculpture. 

Clay modeling is taken in the normal course because of the 
prominent place it is coming more and more to hold in public 
school work. During the last term the advanced pupils modeled 
from casts, made original designs, and practiced the work re- 
quired in public schools. 

Clay modeling, with design and free-hand drawing, forms the 
basis of the wood-carving, and will be the foundation of the pro- 
posed class in artistic metal work. The wood-carving pupils 
have had three lessons each week in clay modeling. It has also 
been taught a class of boys from the Technical High School 
Department. 

Woop-caRvinc.—The class in wood-carving was organized 
last October. The pupils have shown much enthusiasm, and 
their work has been most satisfactory. The work has taken a 
practical direction, and the articles made are not only useful, but 
of artistic value. As an additional help the majority of the 
students have taken an afternoon course in light carpentry. 

ARCHITECTURAL AND MeEcHanicaL Drawinc.—The course 
in architectural and mechanical drawing, covering two years, is 
especially prepared to fit students to become draughtsmen. 
Pupils of the architectural class are required to work out com- 
plete sets of drawings, with measurements, illustrating every 
detail of frame, brick and stone houses. Instruction is also 
given in the most approved methods of construction, in the 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. a7 


properties of materials, in free-hand, and in perspective drawing, 
and in the history of architecture and ornament. 

The course in mechanical drawing is similar in its practical 
aims and relates to the draughting of machinery and the elements 
of mechanism. 

TECHNICAL HiGH ScHooL DEPpARTMENT.—The pupils have 
been required to give one hour each day to drawing. They first 
made working drawings of the different joints, etc., made in the 
bench-room. Later they took lessons in design and originated 
patterns for handles, napkin rings, rosettes, etc., which they 
afterward turned on the lathe. One class took clay-modeling, 
one term, and next year will do much work in free-hand draw- 
ing, in addition to instrumental work. 

The advanced class was given a course in architectural 
drawing, and, together with the pupils of the art course, attended 
a series of lectures on the History of Ornament and Architecture. 
Next year they will go on with more advanced mechanical 
drawing and will also give considerable attention to the elements 
of mechanism. 


AFTERNOON CLASSES. 


A small afternoon class of twelve to fifteen pupils was or- 
ganized for free-hand drawing, in October, 1888. <A large 
addition to this class was received in January, 1889, and another 
class formed in April. For the school year, 123 names were en- 
rolled in this class. 


EVENING CLASSES. 


During the fall and winter terms evening classes met three 
nights a week. The course, though similar to that of the day 
classes, is of necessity abridged. Much earnest work has been 
done and the total number attending was 223. 

CLAss OF PUPILS.—With most of the pupils in the Art De- 
partment the matter of partial or entire self-support will be a 
necessity. Knowing this, they are earnest and interested in 


28 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


their studies, and work with a purpose, making thus a class of 
pupils with whom a teacher is glad to come in contact and to 
aid in every way. 

Some of the young ladies who do not feel a present neces- 
sity of seeking remunerative employment recognize what is 
coming to be more and more felt, that every woman should 
be so trained and educated as to be able to be self-dependent. 

POSITIONS SECURED.—A number of the young men have 
obtained positions as draughtsmen, and several of the young 
ladies have secured employment in various ways. Three of the 
students of the Normal class, who had received previous instruc- 
tion, have been elected to fill important positions as teachers of 
drawing, and though the school has been opened but a short 
time, yet many letters have been received asking if our pupils 
can be recommended. 

_ Instructors.—There are six teachers who are in daily at- 
tendance, two who come for three days, and five for evening 
classes. Next year the number of instructors will be increased. 
Great credit is due the teachers in charge of the different classes 
for the faithful, enthusiastic, and conscientious way in which they 
have discharged their duties. ° 

The work of the teachers can be somewhat estimated from 
the following table, giving the attendance of one week of the 
second term : 


129 pupils who came 5 days, making 645 visits each week. 
47 “ec 6c 6 3 éé “é 141 “cc “ “c 
47 66 66 Ts 2 afternoons, 66 94 66 «< 66 
42 eé 6e ia I (75 (75 42 6c “6 (T3 
1 66 66 6“ S evenings, 66 471 6c “6 6“ 
Total, 422 pupils. Total, 1,393 visits every week. 


The growth of the school, the excellent spirit of the pupils, 
the earnestness of purpose and the results of the work are 
certainly matters of encouragement, and an incentive to make 
the school second to no other of its kind. 


DEPARTMENT OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE. 


The aim of this department is to afford women a thorough 
training in those branches of science and art which pertain to 
good house-keeping and home-making, and to furnish opportu- 
nities to those desiring to support themselves, by educating them 
to become skilled workers in whatever branch of domestic in- 
dustry they may choose, whether house-keeping, cooking, dress- 
making, sewing, millinery, or art needle-work. 

We believe that beyond a common school education there 
is no knowledge so valuable to any woman, whatever her station 
in life, as a practical knowledge of the pursuits which tend to 
make home comfortable and happy. Nor is this value confined 
to the practical results. The training itself has been proved to 
educate and develop the mental and moral faculties. The 
clearest mind invariably accompanies the best manual work. 

The branches of industrial education taught in this depart- 
ment are cooking, sewing, dress-making, millinery, art needle- 
work, hygiene and home-nursing. 

Coox1nc.— The complete course consists of three graded 
courses of three months each, one lesson per week. It includes 
instruction in the chemistry of foods and the theory of cooking, 
and the practical working out of such instruction in class and at 
home ; talks are given on table service, and lectures on the cut- 
ting of meats and on the purchase and care of supplies. 

A certificate is given upon the satisfactory completion of the 
course and examinations. 

The cooking classes opened January 20, 1888, with 107 
pupils; at the close of June there had been 193 pupils in this 
branch of the department, of whom 47 continued from the first 
to the second course. 

The pupils in this year’s classes number 782. Of these, 50 
have gone through the entire course or have taken the equiv- 


30 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


alent examinations, and 14 are to have certificates awarded 
them. 

Fall term.— Enrollment, 252; average attendance, 214; 
dishes cooked at home, 5,034. 

Wenter term.— Enrollment, 349, of whom 121 had satisfac- 
torily completed the first course; average attendance, 286; 
dishes cooked at home, 5,992. 

Spring term.— Enrollment, 181, of whom 42 had completed 
the second course; average attendance, 151; dishes cooked at 
home, 3,230. 

SEWING.—These classes meet once or twice per week and 
prepare pupils to enter the dress-making course, teaching careful 
hand and machine sewing and the cutting and making of simple 
garments and cambric dresses. 

The sewing classes opened February 23, 1888, with 62 pupils, 
and continued through June, there being in all 71 pupils, 9 con- 
tinuing from the first to the second course. 

This year’s sewing pupils number 369, of whom 30 have 
taken both courses. 

fall term.— Enrollment, 93; average attendance, 72; gar- 
ments made during fall and winter term, 50. 

Winter term.— Enrollment, 132; average attendance, 106. 

Spring term.— Enrollment, 144; average attendance, 125; 
garments made, 74, of which 7 were dresses. 

Dress-MAKING.—The complete course consists of three graded 
courses of three months each, one lesson per week. Pupils are 
taught to cut and make dresses from pattern, to use a system 
of drafting from measure by chart, and to apply the same to plain, 
polonaise and princess dresses, tea-gowns and children’s dresses. 

Some talks were given on color and drapery, and on taste 
in the style and selection of fabrics, which subjects will be 
treated more fully in the future. 

The dress-making classes opened March 19, 1888, with 62 
pupils, 7 of whom entered the second course in April. 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 31 


This year’s pupils number 415; dresses made, 313. 

Fall term.—Enrollment, 99; average attendance, g1 ; dresses 
made, 94. 

Winter term.—Enrollment, 150; average attendance, 139; 
dresses made, 112. 

Spreng term.— Enrollment, 166; average attendance, 153; 
dresses made, 107. 

MILLINERY.—The complete course consists of three courses 
of three months each, one lesson per week. Pupils are taught 
to cover and trim stiff-crowned hats, soft-crowned bonnets and 
toques, lace hats and bonnets. 

Instruction has been given in the combination of colors and 
the study of shapes and lines. This instruction will be carried 
further in the future. 

The millinery classes began work April 25, 1888, with 32 
pupils. 

This year’s classes number 256 pupils, of whom 70 continued 
from the first to the second course; 12 took the entire course. 
243 hats and bonnets were made or trimmed. 

Fall term.— Enrollment, 31; average attendance, 29; hats 
made, 31. 

Winter term,— Enrollment, 107; average attendance, 95 ; 
hats made, 118. 

Spring term.— Enrollment, 118; average attendance, 94; 
hats made, 94. 

ArtT NEEDLEWORK.—These classes were opened with the 
winter term, and divided into two courses of three months each, 
one lesson per week. 

Instruction was given in the different stitches, and later an 
original design of the pupil was applied to an appropriate piece 
of work. Much fuller instruction in design has been arranged 
for the coming year. 

The number of pupils for the year was 41, of whom 17 
passed from the first into the second course. 


32 | PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


Winter term.— Enrollment, 19; average attendance, 14. 
Spring term.— Enrollment, 22; average attendance, 17. 
HycGIENE AND Home-nursinc.—These lectures were begun 
in January, the course being one of three months, one lecture 
per week. They included instruction in the outlines of anatomy, 
physiology and hygiene; the treatment of accidents, care of the 
sick-room, and the administration of foods and medicines. 
Demonstrations were given, by the head nurse of the Seney 
Hospital, on the making of beds for the sick, poultices, etc. 
Number of pupils for the year, 52, of whom g took a second 
course. 
Winter term.— Enrollment, 33; average attendance, 30. 
Spring term.— Enrollment, 19; average attendance, 17. 


SUMMARY. 

Cooking, . . 43 classes; 782 pupils; 14,256 dishes. 
SP WINOT Port une e pen 300 Ghau 124 garments, 
Dress-making,. 37 ‘“ ATS Ve 313 dresses. 
MIBIneTy Vapi etd taltie 250 me 243 hats. 
Art needle-work, 5 “ AT aun 8 pieces. 
FIyciene, fyi AMS. Betas 

130 1,915 


The number of individual pupils, 1,223. 
The number of instructors, 19. 


DEPARTMENT OF MECHANIC ARTS. 


The class work of the department, for pupils of the Tech- 
nical High School, began on September 24, with twenty-six pupils 
of the first year and thirteen of the second year. The second 
year class passed from their bench work to wood-turning, and 
then to pattern-making. They entered the foundry March 6, 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. \ 33 


and began forging May 6. The first year class remained in the 
wood-room until May 6; at that time they took up foundry 
work, which they finished with the end of the term. 

There have been three afternoon classes in shop work and 
drawing, one commencing October g, taking two terms’ work ; 
one, January 7, also taking two terms’ work; and one com- 
mencing February 14, continuing for a single term. The first 
two of these finished the special course in wood-work designed 
for outside classes, and are in a position to take up iron-work 
next year; the last class has still a term’s work in turning before 
finishing the wood-working course. 

The evening class in carpentry commenced October 1, spent 
one term on bench-work, and took up turning during the second 
term. A smaller second class began bench-work January 2. 

The first evening machine-shop class started October 29, 
spending three months at bench-work and three at the tools. 
This class ended May 10. The second class commenced Feb- 
ruary 13, and worked until May 10 on bench-work. 

A ladies’ class in wood-working, composed of members of 
the carving class, commenced January 21, and worked for two 
terms. 

The character of the work accomplished in the different 
shops has been, on the whole, good. In all there have been 
weak points and opportunities for improvement. 

The work done during the year, with the exception of ma- 
chine work classes, amounts to about one year and a half of the 
regular course shop work, and the exhibit of work from June 
29 to July 3 gives a fair idea of the ground covered in that 
period. 

The experience of the past year has enabled us to elaborate 
the different courses of work and to prepare the many details of 
equipment for their prosecution. The courses are now com- 
plete in the main, but only the work of succeeding years will 
refine them into final shape. The exercises of all the courses 


34 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


will soon be put into the form of blue prints, and made 
available in the best shape for our own and outside use. 

The object of the major part of the mechanic arts work 
being educational, it is of vital importance that a thorough com- 
prehension should accompany each step of the work. To fur- 
ther this end, it has been the endeavor to most thoroughly em- 
phasize the principles of tool operation, assisting this by the use 
of models and drawings, and to carry along with the shop work 
lectures on the properties and production of the materials dealt 
with. To enforce the importance of this matter, examinations 
were held at the end of the year in each of the shop branches. 
The examinations were somewhat severe, but the result showed 
what is very apt to be, and what has been, the weakness of 
shop practice in manual training schools, viz., a lack of thorough 
comprehension of the operations performed. 

To still further develop this principle, z. ¢., thorough com- 
prehension of each thing done, it is proposed to make the study 
of elements of mechanism and principles of construction a part 
of the regular course. It is believed that these subjects form 
an essential part of any educational course which deals with the 
operations of tools and machines, and that sufficient attention 
_ has not as yet been given to them. 

The character of the evening shop-classes has shown that 
the demand there is distinctly for trade instruction, and must be 
dealt with as such. We are not prepared in equipment, nor, it 
is believed, in purpose, to take up this work at length; but, 
judging from the experience of this year, and from the adverse 
conditions prevailing in trade apprenticeship, we can do helpful 
and needed work in giving a thorough general, but elementary, 
training in at least the wood-working and machine-shop branches. 

It is hoped that in this field we shall soon be able to com- 
mence an evening class in the study of elements of mechanism, 
and principles of construction, for apprentices, young mechan- 
ics, draughtsmen, etc. 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 35 


The number of pupils in the department has been as fol- 
lows: 


Second year class eet High ee i 
First year class 27 
First afternoon class, 25 
Second afternoon class. ; 24 
Third afternoon class, : , 22 
First evening class, wood-work, ; ; ; 19 
Second evening class, wood-work, . é : II 
First evening class, machine-work, . : , 13 
Second evening class, machine-work, ; yi 

Total, ” ; ‘ ; : 7 A 162 


DEPARTMENT OF PHONOGRAPHY AND 
TY PE-WRITING. 


This department was organized for the purpose of giving to 
persons wishing to become shorthand amanuenses a more 
thorough training than has heretofore been done. 

The art of shorthand writing is no new thing, as is com- 
monly supposed, for it has been known and practiced to a con- 
siderable extent for the past three hundred years, and was in use 
in the Roman Empire prior to the Christian era. Its application 
for commercial purposes, however, has been of but recent date, 
and the demand for competent shorthand and type-writing aman- 
uenses has been steadily increasing. ‘This demand has induced 
many persons to undertake the study who were otherwise un- 
qualified to achieve success as practitioners, and in order to 
accept only those who gave promise of success we have made it 
obligatory upon all to pass an examination in language and 
orthography. 

On account of the limited room at the disposal of this de- 
partment, instruction has been confined exclusively to the even- 


36 PRATI INSTITUTE RECORD. 


ing, except to a portion of the type-writing pupils, and the 
number of students was, therefore, restricted, but in view of the 
fact that there are many advantages connected with day instruc- 
tion which would tend to give greater satisfaction, not only to 
pupils, but to the Institute, it is recommended that day instruc- 
tion be given during the coming year. 

The first class in phonography was started February 28, 
1888, with thirty-five pupils; twenty-eight lessons were given, 
and the average attendance for the term was ninety per cent. 
The classes in type-writing were not organized until the begin- 
ning of the school year 1888-9. During this year we had, in 
phonography and type-writing, 69 pupils during the first term, 
110 during the second term, and 66 during the third term, 
making a total of 245 for the year. The decreased number for 
the third term is accounted for by the fact that no new pupils, 
except a few in type-writing, were accepted, the classes being 
continued to accommodate those who wished to attend. The’ 
average attendance for the three terms was 64, 97 and 53, 
respectively. The shorthand classes have met on Monday and 
Friday evenings. The evening type-writing classes have met on 
the same days, but the day students in type-writing have been 
allowed to practice four hours daily. As two evenings per 
week is not sufficient to make satisfactory progress in type- 
writing, it is recommended that at least three evenings per 
week be allowed for this purpose during the coming year. 

The opinion is quite universal that it is a very easy matter to 
become a type-writer operator, and all that is required is a knowl- 
edge of the key-board and a little practice in writing, to enable 
one to take a position. While this may have been partially true 
a few years ago, the demand upon type-writers is becoming more 
and more exacting, requiring increased speed, more accurate 
work and greater intelligence on the part of the operator. In 
order to prepare persons to fully meet these requirements, it 
would be advisable to have a special course of study in gram- 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 37 


mar and spelling, to be taken in connection with our course in 
shorthand and type-writing. A fair knowledge of composition 
and spelling, which is a requisite for entrance to the classes, 
together with the practice obtained in all kinds of commercial 
correspondence, the copying of specifications for construction, 
deeds, mortgages, agreements, law work, insurance, etc., would 
fit a person to satisfactorily fill any position, no matter how 
exacting. 

Much misapprehension is also prevalent regarding the time 
necessary to become proficient in shorthand, many persons be- 
lieving that it can be acquired in from two to three months. 
The usual length of time required to write sufficiently fast to fill 
a position as an amanuensis is about nine months, which period 
would also embrace the time necessary to become a fairly-expert 
type-writer operator. 

On the whole, the progress of the pupils in this department 
has been very satisfactory, and it is pleasant to report that many 
of them have already secured and are satisfactorily filling posi- 
tions as amanuenses. We have endeavored to make the instruc- 
tion thorough, and, above all, practical. Still, the work can be 
made much more comprehensive, with increased profit to all 
concerned. This would, however, require more time on the 
part of the instructors, but the results would justify any in- 
creased expense of labor. 

The teachers, four in number, have been faithful, efficient, 
and much interested in the work. 

In connection with this department, it may be proper to sug- 
gest for consideration the advisability of establishing a Depart- 
ment of Commerce, when the necessary room can be allotted it. 
Such a department would embrace phonography, type-writing, 
book-keeping, penmanship, telegraphy, commercial law, com- 
mercial geography, possibly German and Spanish, or any kindred 
practical subjects which would be beneficial in the conduct of 
commercial enterprises. While there may be many schools of 


38 PRATT: INSTITOTE RECORD: 


this character already in existence, yet there is a demand for 
thorough, practical instruction such as the Institute would be 
able to give. 

The leading practical educators of England, whose greatness 
is due to her commercial supremacy, strongly advocate the 
establishment of schools of this kind. Sir Philip Magnus, a 
recognized authority upon subjects of the kind, says in his 
recent work, entitled ‘‘ Industrial Education :” 


“When we hear, as we often do, successful manufacturers and merchants 
speak discouragingly of the importance of commercial education, and tell us 
how, sent into the factory or office at an early age, they there acquired the 
practical experience to which they ascribe their fortune, we cannot but feel 
that such men overlook the fact that the conditions under which trade is now 
carried on are wholly different from what they were fifty years ago; and it 
is owing to this difference that a different and special kind of training has be- 
come indispensable. No one can contemplate the changes which have taken 
place during the present half-century without realizing their leveling influ- 
ence upon the development of commerce, and the growing importance, as a 
factor of mercantile success, of that wider knowledge which enables those 
engaged in commerce to understand and to take advantage of all favourable 
conditions in the conduct of business operations.” 


VOCAL MUSIC. 


This department was created November 1, 1888, the object 
being to encourage the practice of singing among the masses of 
the people. With the introduction of Tonic Sol-fa, which is 
the medium used, music has dropped the exclusive character it 
has had so long, and now all who are not afraid of a little ear- 
nest study can be admitted to the great advantages of singing. 

Classes are held both day and evening. Two important 
auxiliaries towards the attainment of the object of the depart- 
ment are Normal Training classes and a Choral Society. 

The Normal classes are intended for teachers, or those aspir- 
ing to teach vocal music in schools and musical societies. 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 39 


The Choral Society will afford members of the previous 
classes an opportunity to put the knowledge and skill they have 
obtained to practical use, as well as to encourage a love for the 
best class of choral music. 

During the past season we have had eight classes —six for 
beginners (junior grade), one for elementary grade, and one 
normal class. In addition, the pupils of the Technical High 
School have received instruction, and late in the season we were 
enabled to form a Choral Society. 

There have been nearly five hundred pupils enrolled in the 
various classes, a large proportion of whom were pupils in other 
departments who were allowed to enter free. But free tuition 
is a mistake; it needs to be accompanied by compulsory attend- 
ance. Among the number were public and private school 
teachers, teachers of music, and persons engaged in occupations 
of all kinds. 

More than 180 lessons were given, aggregating about 220 
hours. Over 250 individual examinations for certificates were 
conducted, varying from five to fifteen minutes each; 201 of 
these examinations resulted in pupils taking certificates of various 
kinds. In addition, a considerable number of theoretical papers 
has been examined. 

Day AND EVENING cLassES.—The following classes were 
organized during the year: 

An evening class on Tuesday, October 23; membership, 
70; number of lessons, 20. 

A class on Tuesday morning, November 27, 37 members, 17 
lessons. 

A class on Thursday afternoon, November 22, 56 members, 
20 lessons. 

A class on Thursday evening, November 22, 60 members, 
20 lessons. 

A class on Wednesday afternoon, January 16, 1889, 68 
members, 12 lessons. 


4O PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


A supplementary class on Thursday evening, January 16, 6 
lessons, 20 members. | | 

An elementary class on Wednesday, April 10, 36 members, 
10 lessons. 

A junior class on April 5, 11 lessons, 17 members. 

Norma Traininc.—A class to study the art of teaching 
commenced on March 20 with 15 members, 24 lessons, This 
was a very successful class. The 12 members who continued till 
the end succeeded in taking 36 certificates of various grades. 

Tue TecunicaL HicH ScHoo.t.—tThe 38 pupils of this de- 
partment, after a course of 30 lessons, took the junior examina- 
tion, and all but three have seceived the certificate. 

CuoraL Society.—This society was formed April 9, 1880, 
of those persons who had been successful in their various classes. 
There were about 65 members. 

It is intended that this shall be a thoroughly-efficient musical 
organization, to which no one will be admitted who cannot pass 
the prescribed examination. 


TECHNICAL MUSEUM. 


Although this report is, strictly speaking, only for the year 
ending July 1, 1889, it seems best in preparing it to glance for 
a moment at the work that has been done in this department 
since its beginning. 

In the June of 1887, Professor Nason, of Troy, went to 
Europe for the purpose of ‘collecting material with which to 
form a technical museum for Pratt Institute. He spent 
the summer in buying specimens in England, Holland, Bel- 
gium, Germany, Austria, Italy, and France, and returned early 
in September to America. He brought with him Dr. J. F. 
Williams, who was to act as his assistant and as curator of the 
Museum. 

The collection made by Professor Nason began to arrive 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. AI 


early in the autumn, and was packed away on the fifth floor of 
the Institute, the place which was designed for its final reception. 

The specimens consisted of examples of the finest grades of 
foreign glass, porcelain, earthenware, bronzes, artistic ironwork, 
enamels, etc., all of which were calculated to show the highest 
point to which the artistic conceptions of the designer could be 
carried in each of these branches. In addition to these, Pro- 
fessor Nason brought over a small but comparatively complete 
set of minerals and rocks from foreign countries, with the idea 
that this could be supplemented and enlarged by the addition 
of specimens from our own country, and that the whole would 
represent the basis from which almost all the inorganic materials 
used in the arts are derived. Having also in view the introduc- 
tion of a course of instruction in mineralogy and geology, Pro- 
fessor Nason brought over full sets of crystal models, made of 
both wood and glass. 

The fifth floor of the Institute had up to this time been left 
undivided, but as soon as Professor Nason arrived the plans 
were drawn, and by the first of January, 1888, the necessary 
partitions had been completed. Up to this time, Dr. Williams 
had been kept busy in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in 
Troy, in picking out and preparing specimens for the Institute, 
under Professor Nason’s direction. 

At the end of the school year the collection contained the 
following number of specimens: minerals and rocks, about 
3,800; technical specimens, about 1,500; pictures, maps, etc., 
about 40. Total, 5,340. 

During the summer of 1888, Professor Nason again went 
abroad, and brought back a number of specimens of lace and 
embroidery, which form the nucleus of the textile fabric col- 
lection. 

It has been decided to open the museum during the next 
school year as follows: Monday and Friday, 7:30 to 9:30 P. M.; 
Wednesday, 3 to 5 P. M. 


42 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


From the first of November, 1888, when the museum was 
opened to the public, up to the end of June, a careful record of 
the number of visitors has been kept. The following are the 
figures: Number of times opened, afternoons, 29 ; evenings, 36; 
total, 65. Total number of visitors, afternoons, 1,403}; even- 
ings, 1,021; total, 2,424. 

This, however, does not give by any means the total num- 
ber of people who have used the museum during the year, for 
there are a large number of visitors—both students and the pub- 
lic—who are admitted every day, although the museum is not 
regularly open. The number of such irregular visitors is cer- 
tainly not less than 3,000 during the year. 

During the exhibition days and evenings the visitors spend 
in the museum nearly half the time allotted to the inspection 
of the buildings, and as the number of visitors at such times has 
been about 7,000 during the year, the total number of people 
who have had the use of the museum since it was opened 
amounts to at least 72,500. 

During the year that has just passed there have been added 
about 7,500 specimens. ‘These have been very varied in kind, 
and have been intended, in some cases, to fill out and carry for- 
ward what had already been begun in some special department 
of the collection, and in other cases to»make a beginning and 
indicate the lines to be followed in filling out some other de- 
partment less advanced than the preceding. | 

Without entering too much into detail, an example of the 
first class may be found in the iron case. The ground had been 
staked out by a few isolated specimens, such as a piece of ore 
here or a bit of pig-iron there, but there was no consecutive 
story told and no object lesson to be learned from the case. 
Through the kindness of some of the largest iron and steel 
firms of the country, this collection has been filled out until it 
is comparatively complete; there are, of course, still some holes 
left, but these are such as can be filled up gradually. At present 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 43 


a student, by carefully examining the case and reading the labels, 
can follow the manufacture of iron or steel, from the ore to the 
pig-iron, and thence in any one of the three branches into which 
the products may be divided, viz., cast-iron, wrought-iron, and 
steel, to the completed article, be it a cast-iron plate, a wrought- 
iron candlestick, or a steel watch-spring. 

As an example of the second class of work which has been 
accomplished, the foundation of the textile fabric collection may 
be taken. The few pieces which have already been collected are 
scattered over a very broad field. There are a few pieces of lace 
of modern manufacture, which should be carried on to include 
all kinds of lace, both old and modern, hand and machine made: 
and a few specimens of embroidery from various countries, which 
should be increased to form a characteristic collection of the 
materials and styles of design of as many countries and periods as 
possible. In the textile fabrics proper—that is the woven cloths 
themselves—the collection should show the different kinds of 
cloth made from each material, and indicate the peculiarity of the 
weaving and use to which it is principally applied in each case. 

The general aim is to show the gradual development from 
a raw or crude material to an artistic and finished product. In 
many cases, however, this is not possible, from the fact that the 
completed product is not’ in any way artistic, but has an equal 
claim to be recognized from a useful standpoint; thus, for ex- 
ample, the steps in the production of caustic soda and alum 
from cryolite and Spanish pyrite are of as much interest and 
use to the student as if the soda or alum were a beautiful piece 
of porcelain or exquisite specimen of lace. 

In conclusion, the work of the year appears to have been 
comparatively successful in filling up the holes and increasing 
the usefulness of the museum, in opening it to a large number 
of people and exciting their interest and curiosity in things to 
which they had never before given a thought, and in placing at 
the disposal of the students a place where they can examine and 


44 PRATIT INSIILOTE: RECORD. 


study objects and processes which they could otherwise only 
know by description or picture. 


LIBRARY AND READING ROOM. 


In reading the first report of the library of Pratt Institute 
it must be remembered that the library forms but a part of a 
large organization which has only just begun its work, and that 
the thought and efforts of its founder, instead of being concen- 
trated upon this one part, have been forced into many depart- 
ments of equal importance. 

The comprehensive nature of the work of the Institute and 
the multitude of other interests involved have prevented the 
library from putting into execution all the contemplated plans 
for its development, yet there has been constant growth and 
unbounded interest during the entire year, and the enthusiasm 
displayed in all other departments is marked, to an equal degree, 
in the library. 

It was at first intended to establish a library solely for the 
use of members of the Institute—a library devoted chiefly or 
entirely to mechanical, scientific and art works; but its scope 
has been enlarged in order to make its influence as far-reaching 
as possible. In pursuance of this idea the library is general in 
character, and while those departments most intimately related 
to the work of the Institute may be especially strong, yet others 
will be found abundantly supplied with standard works. 

The reading-room was opened to the public on the evening 
of January 4, 1888, and at that time contained about 150 of the 
best American and English periodicals—scientific, mechanical, 
religious, literary and general. A portion of the reading-room 
is set apart for a reference department, where are placed the 
books most often needed for consultation—the dictionaries, 
cyclopzedias and general reference books. 

The circulating department of the library was formally 


PRATTVOINSTITOLE RECORD. 45 


opened to the public on the first of February, 1888. At this 
time there were about 10,000 volumes upon the shelves ready 
for use, and about 2,000 more in the hands of the cataloguers. 
The books comprising the nucleus of this collection have 
been selected with great care and fairly represent the following 
classes: bibliography, philosophy, religion, sociology, philology, 
science, useful arts, fine arts, literature, biography, history, 
travels. 

A brief author catalogue was started for the use of the pub- 
lic, and a fuller official catalogue of the books upon the shelves 
was already prepared. Type-written class lists were placed upon 
the tables in the delivery room to assist readers in making their 
selections of reading matter. Up to July 1, 1888, 3,284 per- 
sons had registered their names as members of the library, and 
had received cards entitling them to the privileges of the library 
and of the reading-room. 

The use of the library is entirely free, and is Ponded to 
all residents of Brooklyn over 14 years of age. It is recom- 
mended that the age limit be changed to 12 years, upon condi- 
tion that borrowers between the latter age and 14 be allowed 
to draw books from the library only under the supervision and 
direction of the library authorities, 

The aim and policy of the founder is to establish not only a 
popular free circulating library, but more especially to build up 
a valuable collection of reference material for the students, and 
to afford the necessary resources to those who are pursuing 
special lines of study. A number of persons engaged in literary 
and professional work have already availed themselves of the 
privileges of the library, and are constant visitors to the reading- 
room. 

The library is also an indispensable appendix to the various 
departments of the Institute, the art student, the designer, the 
mechanic, the dressmaker and the housekeeper, each drawing 
upon its resources for material to aid in the pursuit of his 


46 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


studies. The heads of the departments, wisely supplementing 
their instruction by judiciously recommending to their classes 
lines of special reading upon the subject in hand, and constantly 
referring the pupils to the library, thus teach them the invalu- 
able habit of independent research and investigation. In the 
departments of Art, Domestic Science, Mechanic Arts, the 
Technical Museum, etc., many of the books most frequently 
needed for reference are shelved in the rooms of the depart- 
ment itself, so as to be easily available and save even the trouble 
of visiting the library for the purpose of consultation. These 
books are also duplicated in the general library for the use of 
the public. Valuable assistance in the selection of books is also 
rendered by those in charge of the different departments of the 
Institute, as they are constantly upon the alert to secure what is 
best in the literature of their specialties, and to recommend its 
addition to the library. 

Every measure adopted for the present or future conduct of 
the library has in view the one predominating object of helpful- 
ness; and not only is this spirit of helpfulness manifested in the 
policy of the trustees in charge of the library’s management, 
but it is also characteristic of each member of the library staff 
in the discharge of the duties involved in carrying on the library 
work. 

The reading-room connected with the library is large, com- 
fortable and well lighted. All periodicals and newspapers are 
kept on file for the accommodation of readers. 

The reference department of the library, comprising diction- 
aries, encyclopedias, etc., to the number, at present, of about 
300, is so arranged that those wishing to consult these books 
have free access to the shelves. The advantages of this ar- 
rangement are so evident that they need not be mentioned. 
The disadvantages are the occasional loss of a book, resulting 
from the privilege of unrestricted consultation, and the difficulty 
of keeping any statistics as to the frequency of the use of these 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 47 


books. To know, however, that a work of reference has been 
used whenever it was wanted is a more gratifying knowledge 
than the mere fact that it has been used a certain number of 
times. The spirit of investigation which it is the fond aim of 
a library to inculcate and foster is a very shy and tender thing 
in its incipient stages, and will often turn and flee from the sim- 
plest formality—even the filling out of a blank order for a vol- 
ume of the encyclopedia. It is especially desired to make the 
reference department useful and helpful; and to have in charge 
of it persons thoroughly competent to judiciously guide the in- 
vestigator in the best methods for looking up his subject, and 
to assist him by placing the resources of the library at his dis- 
posal. | 

CLaASSIFICATION.—The system of classification by which the 
books are placed upon the shelves is that devised by Mr. Melvil 
Dewey, of the Albany State Library. It has been thought 
advisable, however, in adopting this system to use the decimal 
point only in the class of travels and in United States and state 
history. With one or two exceptions the other classes are desig- 
nated by three figures only. In fiction the plan suggested by 
the author of the decimal classification and used by several other 
libraries has been satisfactorily followed, namely : to use a single 
figure to designate the nationality, 1 meaning American fiction ; 
2, English; 3, German; 4, French, etc. 

CataLocuEes.—A brief author catalogue of all the books 
upon the shelves of the library, kept upon the postal-size 
bristol cards, is placed in the delivery room for consultation by 
the public. In this catalogue the biographical cards are arranged 
in a separate alphabet, according to the subject of the biography. 
An official card catalogue, containing fuller entries, is also kept. 
Both catalogues are made in accordance with the American 
Library Association rules, and are written in the library hand. 
Type-written class-lists are placed upon the tables in the delivery 
room and are revised and rewritten from time to time, so that 


48 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


they may be kept up to date. As the library is adding new 
books rapidly at present, it is thought advisable not to issue a 
printed catalogue, or finding list, for a few months at least; but 
it is hoped that the patrons of the library will soon be furnished 
with lists which can be taken home, and thus permit of more 
leisurely and satisfactory consultation. 

Girts.—A number of friends have already manifested their 
interest in the library by gifts of books, pamphlets, magazines, 
public documents, etc. 

Hours FOR OPENING.—The library is open on all secular 
days from g A. M. until 6 p. M., and on Wednesday and Saturday 
evenings until 9:30 o'clock. The reading room is open from g 
A. M. to 9:30 p. M. on all week days. The question of Sunday 
opening is one that is now being advocated, and although the 
matter has not been definitely settled, the probabilities are that 
the reading room will be thrown open to the public for at least 
a part of the day on Sundays. 

Upon opening the library it was thought best to allow the 
members’ cards to run for one year from date of issue, and to 
require renewal at the end of that time. The duration of the 
term has since been extended to two years. At the end of 
this time the borrower returns his old card, fills out a blank ap- 
plication as before, and receives a new card. Borrowers are not 
required to re-register, and they retain the same folio or regis- 
tration number during their connection with the library. An 
alphabetical index of borrowers is kept upon slips, and also one 
of the guarantors, or those who have signed the borrowers’ ap- 
plications as security. , 

CHARGING SYSTEM.—The charging system is by means of 
the book-cards, under date. Works of fiction may be kept 
out seven days, other books fourteen days. A fine of two 
cents per day is charged for retention beyond the time specified 
in the rules, 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 49 


SHELVING CAPACITY.—It has been necessary, in view of the 
increasing number of volumes in the library, to appropriate a 
portion of the reading-room for shelving purposes. Eight new 
cases have been placed in the east end of this room, and, it is 
thought, will accommodate the accessions for some time to 
come. 

The number of subscribers registered from July 1, 1888, to 
July 1, 1889, was 3,206. The total number registered to July 
I, 1889, was 6,490. 

There were on the shelf, July 1, 1889, 16,189 volumes, and 
about 3,000 more volumes in the hands of the cataloguers, 
The number of volumes sent to the bindery from the date of 
opening, February 1, 1888, up to July 1, 1889, was 459. 

The following table will show the record of circulation from 
February 1, 1888, to July 1, 1888. 


CIRCULATION FEB. 1, 1888, to JULY 1, 1888. 


Feb. | March | April May | June | ToTaL 


a eer 


Bibliography, periodicals, etc., 2 6 14 19 30 71 
BEEIseT MOLLY fy i eh gen Sessa 31 51 60 70 55 267 
BORSA a ste rlgee oth aednanie 53 77 66 76 59 331 
3B CGP pS TRIAS ers ev AB LOZ ATA 97 85 473 
PiiteSA yma Ui eh ra ge We ih 3 5 8 2 8 26 
RENCE Toit) fod.) lg Sieh et a ars 223 207 153 922 
ISCLIMEATUS Peni. (1) hie ON ean eet) 244 241 250 207) WE. Ove 
PAD EraREs ed oy eis US nw in ke ee ES 1O7hie ae 199 | 136 892 
PL OUARTCe Mii ic ina) RR Ea | SHON bul soem So7K N\ 2AO NNT aag 
PCCD ene)». Ae) ly helh ee ZOO A OSSe 4.032) 6 4et 14,045 0022590 
EAN SoG Una s ia...) sa oe eMaaOn Nt OSO Phi ReON Ty dae) AVR 2. Rag 
POM CO DMV MN gs) oho) e. Hi 3) kc 254 | 201 176 146 889 
RUS COV maaan heh ok: te OORT AOL! 140041) 308.) 24 5a els 

TOTAL,. . . ~| 3,694 | 7,323 | 7,409 | 7,764 | 6,779 | 32,969 


AVERAGE DAILY,| 154 | 282 296.5. 298 310) 20¥ 258 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 


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PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 51 


From this table it will be seen that the number of volumes 
issued for home use from July 1, 1888, to July 1, 1889, was 
89,650; the largest circulation for any one month was for 
March, 1889 —9,620 volumes. ‘The average daily circulation 
was 301, and the largest daily circulation was 583 — Saturday, 
' April 20, 1889. 

The following list will show the recorded use of certain books 
up to July 1, 1889. It is by no means a record of comparative 
use, as some of the books have been in the library but a short 
time; some are represented by a number of copies, against one 
copy of another work in the list; some are allowed to be kept 
out fourteen days and others only seven; some have been out 
of circulation and in the hands of the binder for greater or less 
length of time; and, altogether, while these statistics are of some 
interest as a clue to a book’s popularity, yet, as already stated, 
they do not represent as much as they seem to on their face: 


Number of times 


taken out. 

Abbott. Life OfWasMipoton nw ilsra ed chi Ah ey ears 20 
Marya Gh ieemot SCOtS Non m auras) ules 
Alcott. RAttiGawWOnletnmme tiie Mratiee Wein al ak yin tase k och 
tea Cir Sona vy WOOK aie wan ie ran train Eee! haha cn ee ag 
Ayers. Practical electricity 32 
Balzac. Cousin Pons ry 45 
Bolton. Girls who became famous . 48 
Burnett. Little Lord Fauntleroy . . 148 
Cable. Grandissimes 68 
Coffin. Boys of ’76 . Se tO7 
Craik. John Halifax . 118 
Cross. Daniel Deronda 84 
Ms Romola a BUSS 
Dickens. David Copperfield . 138 
f Little Dorrit. Bo) SRST . 116 
Drummond. Natural law in the spiritual world 26 
Farrar. Life of Christ 30 
Grant. Memoirs . sue: 18 
Hawthorne. House of seven gables 75 


6c 


Scarlet letter 


68 


52 PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD, 


Howells. Their wedding journey. Ny Se sie oe 
Jackson. Ramona... . PHANG EN iy 
Knox. Boy travelers in South eats ya Rte ee 
Lamb. iLales from Shakespeare a We eae 
Lanier. Boys’ Froissart. . . . MTR ora MBL, 
Roper. Young engineer’s own Bak Sa A ae a 
Ruskin. Stones (Of V ENice 4 hie whores ae 
Schiey and SoleyicRescne of Greely oy Sie tom ogee ee 
Scott. Bride of ‘Lammermoor 10/5), 52) a ee 
id Tvanhoe (cs! NaN a ieee an a 
Spencer. Education . . 2) Ug Be see 
Stanley. Through the Aan eutinent + tel shel teed CaN 
Tolstoi. Anna Karénina (a) aaa Ol een See en 
i My teligton eV a en ap etn aie ea 
Thackeray. Vanity fair )).4).014 ; sha hig ie ea 
Verne. Around the world in Sine nave MEN OE ea rick 
Wallace. Ben sbucy as al si OE & 
Ward. Robert Elsmere (from January, '89) oe MSGS 


The privileges of the library have been extended to the resi- 
dents in the Astral apartment house in Greenpoint. In the 
basement of this apartment house is a spacious, well-ventilated 
and well-lighted reading room, 39x4ofeet. This room was 
fitted up with a large and artistic fireplace, steam heat and elec- 
tric lights, and all the comforts capable of giving it a homelike 
appearance were provided for the use of its occupants. In April 
the branch took possession of the room, and books have been 
delivered to the people by messenger once a week since then. 
The number of volumes sent, up to July 1, amounted to 154. 

The Astral reading room is supplied with the leading stand- 
ard periodicals, and its patronage by the families residing in the 
building has averaged about 1,000 per month. There is a large 
field for usefulness in this part of the city, and from its location 
and accessibility this branch may become an important center of 
distribution. 

As a special aid to the students in the Technical High School, 
a list of parallel readings in English history, and also one in 


PRATT INSTITUTE RECORD. 53 


physical geography have been prepared and bulletined in the de- 
livery room, and a similar but more extensive list on United 
States history is now in process of compilation. 

The cataloguers are preparing a title catalogue upon the 
cards, which will be placed at the disposal of the public as soon 
as possible and which will greatly facilitate the ready finding of 
books desired. In all cases the attendants themselves are ever 
ready to furnish information, to assist the reader where he needs 
assistance, and to place the resources of the library at the dis- 
posal of the public. 


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BOO rAalERS ; 


If you are interested in the work of any department of Pratt InsTiruTe and desire future publications sent you, please 


fill out and return coupon herewith, addressed to F. B. PRATT, Secretary, Pratt InstiruTE, BROOKLYN, N. Y. 


I have read “ Founder’s Day” copy of Pratt InsTITUTE RECORD, and 
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; interested in the Department. 
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; Street, 

: Date, 18 City, 

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er ee ee he Se ie er 


I have read “ Founder’s Day” copy of Pratt INSTITUTE RECORD, and 
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interested in the Department. | 
Name, 
erect, 
Date, 18 City, 
Occupation, ? State, 


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